Image: COURTESY
The government has revealed further details from the fire incident at Embakasi that has led to the loss of two lives.
In an update on Friday, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a lorry carrying gas cylinders exploded in Embakasi.
"Yesterday (Thursday) at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County. One Lorry loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely," he said
Mwaura further revealed that a flying gas cylinder hit the Oriental Godown nearby, burning it down. The godown deals in garments and textiles.
As a result, the inferno further damaged several vehicles and commercial properties, including many small and medium-sized businesses.
The fire even spread to residential houses, he said.
"Sadly, residential houses in the neighbourhood also caught fire, with a good number of residents still inside as it was late at night," Mwaura added.
From the tragedy, three Kenyans have lost their lives while being attended to at the Nairobi West Hospital.
On behalf of the Kenya Kwanza administration, The Spokesman sent condolences to the families of the deceased.
Giving data, Mwaura reported that 271 Kenyans were injured by the fire and have been rushed to various hospitals.
"We have around 271 who are admitted in various Hospitals in Nairobi with Mama Lucy having the mist numbers. 140 are there. The rest of the resident hospitals also have various people. 21 were treated in site and allowed to go back to their homes.
“We have three fatalities as at now…but we are going to continue providing information that is required. We also have a command centre,” the police said.
Some 21 victims are at the Kenyatta National Hospital, 160 at Mama Lucy General Hospital, 19 at Mbagathi Hospital, 14 at the Modern Komarock Hospital, and eight at Nairobi West Hospital.
According to Mwaura, the scene of the tragedy has been secured and a command centre is already in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts.
The government has urged Kenyans to keep off the sealed-off area to allow the rescue mission to be carried out with minimal disruptions.
The State also commended institutions that moved swiftly when the tragedy occurred.
"The government wishes to thank all the institutions such as the National Police, Nairobi County Government, the Kenya Redcross, St. John’s Ambulance and Kenyans of godwill for their quick response. This is the true spirit of our nationhood and patriotism. Huu, ndio utaifa na Uzalendo halisi," Mwaura added.
In addition, the government assured the public that it was doing everything possible within its means, to assist the victims of the fire incident and also to help restore normalcy in the affected area.
